Newcastle United face the eighth-toughest Premier League start when the season gets underway in August. Using league positions from 2021-22, the Magpies’ opening six fixtures pits them against clubs that finished - on average - 9.7th in the English football pyramid.
Statistically, an opening-day clash against Nottingham Forest at home is the easiest game Newcastle could have asked for. The Reds finished fourth in the Championship last season, securing promotion via the play-offs against Huddersfield Town. However, this is counterbalanced by heavyweights Manchester City and Liverpool - who finished first and second in the Premier League - also featuring in the Magpies’ first five fixtures.
Newly-promoted Fulham have the toughest start, with the Championship winners’ opponents averaging a 7.2nd finish. The Cottagers face Champions League finalists Liverpool on day one before taking on Wolves, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in their opening six outings.
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At the other end of the scale, Wolves and Man City boast the joint-easiest start to the new campaign. Both sides face two of the three promoted sides, with Wolves also challenging a Leeds United team who survived relegation by the barest of margins.
Liverpool, too, have a fortunate start to the campaign on paper as Jurgen Klopp’s men face two former Championship sides. However, away trips to bitter rivals Manchester United and Everton pose a more difficult challenge than the 14.7th score suggests.
Average league position of opponent (first six games)
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